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New Zealand State Honours - Member of the New Zealand Order of Merit

Member of the New Zealand Order of Merit

The image on this page is of the fifth level of the New Zealand Order of Merit: Member (MNZM).

About the New Zealand Order of Merit

Instituted in 1996, the New Zealand Order of Merit has five levels: Knight or Dame Grand Companion (GNZM), Knight or Dame Companion (KNZM / DNZM), Companion (CNZM), Officer (ONZM) and Member (MNZM). Those appointed to the highest two levels are entitled to use the titles ‘Sir' or ‘Dame'. The award of titles was discontinued in 2000, but was reinstated in 2009.

When the use of titles was discontinued in 2000 the highest two levels were renamed. The highest level became Principal Companion (PCNZM), rather than Knight or Dame Grand Companion (GNZM). The second highest level was renamed Distinguished Companion (DCNZM); rather than Knight or Dame Companion (KNZM / DNZM). In June 2009 the highest two levels changed back to Knight or Dame Grand Companion (GNZM) and Knight or Dame Companion (KNZM / DNZM).

Appointments to the New Zealand Order of Merit are made for meritorious service to the Crown or the nation and to those who have become distinguished in their particular field of endeavour. The number of living Knight or Dame Grand Companions at any one time is restricted to 30. Appointments to the remaining four levels are limited to 15 Knight or Dame Companions, 40 Companions, 80 Officers and 140 Members per year. More information on the New Zealand Order of Merit is available at the New Zealand Honours Unit website.

Royal Warrant

All New Zealand State Honours are instituted under a Royal Warrant signed by Queen Elizabeth II as the Queen of New Zealand. More information on New Zealand State Honours is available at the New Zealand Honours Unit website.

Regulations

State Honours do not usually have separate Regulations. Instructions for the administration of the Order or Honour are usually included in the Royal Warrant. The composite document containing the Royal Warrant and Instructions is usually referred to as the Statutes of the Order.

Clasps and Bars

There are no clasps or bars associated with the New Zealand Order of Merit.